GE2025: Time to put topic of candidates changing constituencies ‘behind us’, scrutinise policies instead, says Ong Ye Kung

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As long as candidates are honest with voters about it, Singapore’s health minister Ong Ye Kung said on Saturday ( Apr 26 ) that there is “nothing wrong” with doing political calculations and switching constituencies as&nbsp.

Given that this is the third day of fighting for this General Election, he said the emphasis should be on policy ideas rather than politics.

” Simply be honest with voters, don’t suggest I’m doing it for them,” he said. That’s all I’m saying.

” But I do suggest that we are currently in evening four of the plan. I believe there was a lot of pleasure following the election and the various people who were stationed at various locations,” said Mr. Ong.

” I believe that pleasure, we probably have to put it behind us,” he said.

He is a leader of the People’s Action Party ( PAP ) slate against the SDP and the National Solidarity Party ( NSP) at the Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre in Sembawang GRC, while he was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his walkabout.

The walkabout also featured the various candidates for his Sembawang GRC crew, including Ms. Mariam Jaafar, Mr. Vikram Nair, Mr. Gabriel Lam, and Mr. Ng Shi Xuan.

On Saturday, Mr. Ong acknowledged that the SDP and PAP had spent some time responding to the statement he made during their first march for this basic vote on Thursday during their political protest remarks on Friday.

In his march talk, Mr. Ong claimed that Dr. Chee Quickly Juan, the SDP’s captain, needed to provide a more in-depth explanation of why he “abandoned Bukit Batok to come to Sembawang West.”

He was referring to Dr. Chee’s decision to challenge the previously established Sembawang West GRC at Bukit Batok SMC. In the most recent electoral boundaries report, Dr. Chee had formerly contested as a SDP participant in Bukit Batok SMC, which has since been merged into Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC.

A few Infosys candidates made reference to Mr. Ong’s claim in their march speeches that he had formerly “abandoned his Aljunied household” and relocated to Sembawang GRC in 2015. Mr. Ong was a member of the PAP team that lost to the Workers ‘ Party in Aljunied GRC in the 2011 elections.

The SDP individuals also questioned PAP’s decision to subject former MPs in another electoral districts for this poll.

According to Mr. Ong, who spoke to reporters on Saturday, the focus should be on the various policy proposals that the various factions have released.

” That is probably what people want to notice, and for many citizens, that is the foundation on which they will base their votes.”

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GE2025: Opposition parties reject foreign interference, say Singaporeans can represent themselves

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Content QUICKLY MAKE THEIR ROUNDS

In recent days, there have been a number of social media posts that combine political discussion with spiritual topics.

Noor Deros, an Islamist spiritual teacher, posted a list of demands on Twitter for political parties. He claimed that the Workers ‘ Party ( WP ) was the only organization that responded. In a later article, he urged voters to give preference to individuals who addressed issues like the normalization of LGBTQ problems, regardless of party affiliation.

WP asserted on Saturday that it has no control over foreign individuals supporting its applicants. No promises were made in exchange for political support, it added, despite the fact that a conference involving some of its Malay-Muslim prospects and Noor Deros took place.

Noor Deros criticized Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkififli in another article for reportedly failing to protect the interests of the Malay-Muslim area.

A separate Instagram post was shared on Reddit that urged Tampines GRC voters to help WP’s Faisal Manap” to battle for a powerful Muslim community.”

Older Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad expressed concern on Saturday about the intersection of politics, religion, and civilization during the election season.

So I believe it’s really dangerous when a group like PAS, for instance, espouses a particular viewpoint and asks Singaporeans to voting along religious and cultural lines.

” That’s the kind of politics that you can observe in Malaysia, where you have different functions representing different races or religions, whether it’s UMNO, PAS, DAP, or MIC, and you can see how the parties are organized,” he said.

Louisa Tang and Ang Hwee Min provide more investigating.

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GE2025: ‘Difficult’ GST hike needed to deliver on promises to seniors, says PAP’s Chee Hong Tat

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Mr. Chee, a member of the ruling People’s Action Party ( PAP ), claimed that the majority of Singapore’s GST revenue comes from foreigners, tourists, and the less fortunate.

It is not the case with our lower- and middle-income families. It is not the Singaporeans with lower and middle incomes. They receive a much lower effective GST rate than 9 %, according to Mr. Chee.

” We have actually delayed the Taxpayer increase for the majority of Taiwanese households by at least five years, and by more than ten for lower-income households,” according to the Assurance Package.

” We have assisted many communities in coping with the increases in their spending,” according to our numerous help items. And we’re willing to help you for as long as it’s needed. “

Mr. Chee claimed that the GST-acquired income is a “progressive” system that provides the state with the assets it needs to support Singaporeans in many areas, including medical, education, cover, and public transportation. It is also derived from the income of tourists, foreigners, and the better-off.

Therefore, if we reduce the GST, we will avoid the money that we collect from these organizations that are already generating income for Singaporeans now, according to Mr. Chee, who is also the Minister for Transport.

In an age culture and now, in a more turbulent world, to help Singaporeans, to aid our organizations, to help our staff, to support our people, we would not have the resources to support our elders. “

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GE2025: Who is Noor Deros, and what has he been saying in his online posts?

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He then stated on April 24 that he would need voters to vote for the candidate if the WP didn’t “reject the common needs of the Muslim group to dismiss the normalization of LGBTQ and tackle another big concerns.”

Mr. Noor clarified in a new Instagram post that he had “accepted” his calls at around midnight on April 26 that it was not the exact as “agreeing” them.

In his earlier post, he noted that WP was the only group that had taken his requires significantly.” Taking really” does not automatically mean “agree and promise to deliver.”

WP’S RESPONSE

WP stated in a statement on April 26 that it ; meets with various members of Singapore’s diverse religious communities, regardless of race or faith.

The Party confirms that no promises, commitments, or agreements were made to any person, including Noor Deros, in exchange for political support for WP candidates at a meeting with other religious leaders where Noor Deros was present, according to WP.

Additionally, it was emphasized that former party chief Pritam Singh and former prime minister Faisal made remarks about the separation of religion and politics in parliament.

The opposition party stated that it was” steadily committed to Singapore’s secular, multi-racial, multi-religious society, and to safeguarding the integrity of our electoral process.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) and the Elections Department of Singapore ( ELD ) announced in a statement on April 25 that they had identified a “number of foreigners ” trying to influence the GE, and warned against combining religion and politics. Singapore is a free society.

As we have seen in other nations with race- or religion-based politics, incorporating religion into politics will undermine social cohesion and harmony. ”

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‘We need to get him out’: SCDF’s race to save a life in quake-hit Myanmar

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DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS

Structure designers play a vital role in the team’s search and rescue operations. &nbsp,

Their task is to determine whether a structure is healthy for volunteers to activate by examining substances that have been dug out of the houses and identifying telltale signs of danger, such as cracks running through windows. &nbsp,

Major Ros Farina Mohd Fauzi Rodrigues, a civil engineer by training, discussed an activity she was a part of that involved a collapsed building close to a fell air traffic control tower at Naypyidaw International Airport.

A body was buried beneath the wreckage in this case and pin down by a powerful frame. She recalled that metallic bars were now bent and out of shape. Therefore, the team chose to dig out the dust manually rather than using any splitting tools.

You work as a fundamental expert like this. We work with the volunteers, both our men, as well as the fire service, to ensure that our firefighters are safe, according to MAJ Farina. &nbsp,

MAJ Chew Jia Han, an technically prepared NSman with a PhD in civil engineering, assisted with the goal as a recovery specialist. Given that they were assessing the properties based on what they could see on the floor, the designers faced their good share of problems, according to the 39-year-old. &nbsp,

As we get going with our operation, he said,” We may discover something that might change our initial analysis.” &nbsp,

When that occurs, the engineers may advise that the procedure be stopped and a reassessment of how to proceed safely. &nbsp,

Beyond performing search and rescue missions, the SCDF team established health outposts in disaster-stricken locales to provide health care to local residents. &nbsp,

Facilities in Myanmar were unable to provide essential services because of the earthquake’s architectural injury, according to SCDF. &nbsp,

Hospitals generally concentrated on key operations and urgent cases because there were a shortage of areas, equipment, and appropriate spaces for procedures. &nbsp,

This led to a lag in access to primary care for small health conditions and injuries, the article continued. In order to tackle this, health outposts were constructed in Pyokkon and on the ground at a resort in Dhakhinna Thiri Township.

One of two NSF physicians stationed at the troops was Captain Sarvananthan Rajavan. The 27-year-old claimed the medical staff provided fundamental care, treating problems ranging from physical problems to upper respiratory and gastrointestinal attacks, when he referred it to a GP office.

But they also encountered some serious circumstances, he claimed. For instance, one man was left with a glass shard that nearly tore open his proper big toe, which he and another NSF doctor had to thread up.

Before he was deployed, Dr. Rajragavan, who was 40 times away from his operational readiness day, stated that he did not anticipate serving in the Operation Lionheart force during his National Service. &nbsp,

You can never expect for a catastrophe to occur. But did I have any advice? Without a doubt. I believe that the education we go through and the training we go with will help us prepare for a crisis ( if it does occur ), he continued. &nbsp,

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GE2025: WP says it has no control over foreigners supporting its candidates after authorities flag foreign attempts to influence election

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The Workers ‘ Party ( WP ) clarified details about a meeting involving some of its Malay-Muslim candidates and an Islamic religious teacher on Saturday ( Apr 26 ), saying it has no control over foreigners supporting its candidates.

No promises were made to the teacher or anyone else in exchange for WP individuals ‘ social support, according to the statement.

The Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) and the Elections Department of Singapore ( ELD ) made the announcement a day after it was revealed that several foreigners had posted online election advertisements encouraging Singaporeans to cast ballots according to their religion, including two former Singaporeans and a former Australian citizen. The government claimed they had instructed Meta to censor exposure to these content for users in Singapore.

The Workers ‘ Party ( WP ) candidates seek the support of all Singaporeans in the wards they are contesting in, the WP stated in a statement released on Saturday morning. The Workers ‘ Party has no influence over international organizations that support our prospects. Any interpretation of the same is completely incorrect.

The Workers ‘ Party met with various members of our spiritual communities, regardless of race or religion, during the course of our social work, according to the WP. Our spiritual leaders of all faiths have divergent viewpoints and opinions regarding common life in Singapore.

No “promesses, commitments, or contracts” were made at the meeting, according to the group, which also included other spiritual leaders.

On May 3, voters in Singapore did vote.

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Why are some women in Singapore embracing digital love and virtual boyfriends in this popular mobile game?

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THE JOURNEY TO SELF-WORTH

The majority of people claimed that the match had no significant impact on their feelings toward heart-related issues. Yet, it has influenced them more in terms of their own self-worth.

” I’m somewhat older and have experienced quite a bit in life, but I don’t think the game has had a significant impact on my real-life views on love, marriage, or interactions,” said Yvonne, who recently broke up with her boyfriend. That’s not to suggest it weren’t, but for me, it hasn’t.

Do I occasionally experience intimate feelings while playing the game, despite that? Yes, sometimes. It’s an uncontested game created for that reason, after all.

” But it’s another issue how profoundly those emotions engender.” At the end of the day, I like playing it. I enjoy the functions and interaction with various female heroes, but that’s where I draw the line, she continued.

Society generally holds that if we play online dating game to frequently, we won’t be able to take real relationships with men. The game teaches us how to treat and be recognized and helps us understand our value in a marriage.

However, psychology warn that truth and fiction may overlap as AI technology develops and sports like Adore and Deepspace become more compelling and practical.

The person feels fully immersed if the individual and the sport character engage in more back-and-forth “natural conversations.” They may think these interactions are true, but they struggle to tell the difference between real and imagined ones, says Ooi from The Counselling Place.

Balance is essential. Apply these activities to relax, reflect, or decompress, but be sure to keep them out of your daily life, Pong said.

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Cash handout faces legal hurdle

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B35 billion fund transfer is improper, according to the pair.

Eligible recipients queue to withdraw their money from a Government Savings Bank branch at the start of the first phase of the 10,000-baht cash handout, on Oct 1 last year.
On October 1st, last year, a group of eligible consumers waited to withdraw their money from a Government Savings Bank tree at the start of the second phase of the 10,000-baht money flyer.

The government is facing a fresh legal challenge after a complaint was sent to the NACC to request that it look into a 35-billion-baht total used to pay for its 10, 000-baht cash handout.

The latest government officials, former Srettha Thavisin administration officials, as well as the legislators and MPs who supported the budget costs for the 2025 fiscal year are among those who are implicated in the case.

The petition was signed by Jade Donavanik, a previous democratic writing commission director, Somchai Swangkarn, a former legislator, and Charnchai Issarasenarak, a former Democrat MP.

They charged these government officials, Members, and senators with breaking both Part 144 of the law and Area 88 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which is the network’s fundamental laws.

Mr. Charnchai and Mr. Jade have requested that the NACC conduct an investigation into the situation, and if the investigation finds sufficient grounds, it may refer the situation to the Constitutional Court for decision-making.

The House approved the 3.75-trillion-baht resources costs for the 2025 fiscal year, according to Mr. Charnchai, in its first reading of the bill on June 21, next year.

A 35 billion baht resources will be used to pay debts to state-run banks under Part 28 of the Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act, according to the government led by the then-prime secretary, Mr. Srettha, before the next studying. To finance the 10,000-baht cash handout scheme, it was diverted to a central fund.

Despite the constitution forbidding such actions, the House committee that was looking at the budget consented.

The decision, according to the former MP, had an impact on several state-run banks, including the Government Savings Bank ( 2.68 billion baht ), Government Housing Bank ( 592 million baht ), and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives ( 2.68 billion baht ).

These budgetary adjustments were originally intended to make up for the loss of revenue generated by the implementation of government initiatives like a farmer’s debt suspension program and a crop price guarantee project.

Under Section 28 of the Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act, Section 144 of the Constitution prohibits the slashing of budget allocations used to fulfill legal obligations, particularly those set aside for bank debt payments.

Additionally, Mr. Charnchai reported that an additional 1.25 billion baht was diverted from the central fund to a fund for former parliamentarians, which was in violation of Section 144 ( 2 ) of the constitution, which forbids MPs or senators from devoting budget allocations for personal benefits.

In its second and third readings, he claimed that the bill received a total of 309 MPs, 175 senators, and 72 committee members who were watching the 2025 budget bill closely. Therefore, Mr. Charnchai said, each of them is connected to the allegation.

According to Mr. Jade, the NACC’s investigation is anticipated to last no longer than two months. The NACC can submit the case to the Constitutional Court if it finds enough evidence in the evidence to support its case, which is expected to take 15 days to consider the case before rendering a decision.

According to observers, the Paetongtarn administration could be involved in the case because the Srettha government’s 10-millibaht cash handout is still being implemented.

The government approved a third phase of the digital wallet program in March, which will give 10, 000 baht to 2.7 million people between the ages of 16 and 20 as part of its economic stimulus package.

As the system designed to make this happen, Ms. Paetongtarn previously stated that digital wallets would be used to distribute and spend this portion of the 10,000-baht giveaway.

Welfare cardholders, those with disabilities, and those over the age of 60 were covered by the first two phases of the program, which included payments made using PromptPay.

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Thai troops to join major military exercise

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Jonathan Kings, the New Zealand ambassador, fourth from left, Angela Macdonald, the Australian ambassador, fifth from left, Admiral David Johnston, chief of the Australian Defense Force (in white), and military representatives from New Zealand, Australia, and Thailand after laying wreaths to honour the fallen at the memorial site during the dawn service on Friday. (Photo: Australian Embassy Thailand)
After laying garlands in honor of the fallen at the memorial page at the dawn support on Friday, the New Zealand adviser walked away from the scene, followed by Angela Macdonald, the American ambassador, who is second from left, and Admiral David Johnston, the captain of the Australian Defense Force ( in white ). ( Photo: Thai Australian Embassy )

The largest martial exercise always conducted in Australia, Exercise Talisman Sabre, is scheduled for mid-July. Thailand will take part in it.

The discovery was made at a memorial Anzac Day ceremony held on Friday at Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi territory, where the embassies of Australia and New Zealand in Thailand celebrated the 110th celebration of the landings in Gallipoli.

Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought and died in all war were honored in the solemn dawn services, especially those who perished as war prisoners while building the Thai-Burma Railway under Chinese control at Hellfire Pass.

Admiral David Johnston, the commander of the American Defence Force, spoke at the ceremony and reaffirmed Australia’s robust defense ties with Thailand. He emphasized the significance of the Anzac history.

Thailand will be one of 19 nations participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which will take place in Australia in July and may require more than 30 000 military officers, according to Adm. Johnston.

Adm Johnston said,” Thailand’s membership demonstrates our shared responsibility to regional stability and our growing defense assistance.” It’s important to foster believe, portability, and people-to-people connections, not just about developing warfighting abilities.

The largest mixed education exercise between the Australian Defence Force and the US government is Talisman Sabre, which is currently in its 11th generation, and it serves as a significant show of their strategic empire.

Multi-domain operations, such as marine landings, flying insertions, power demonstrations, and shared combat instruction across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains will be the focus of the 2025 edition.

Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Tonga, and the United Kingdom are also represented by the participating nations. Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei will all be present as spectators.

Adm. Johnston emphasized that the exercise strengthens combined skills in places like humanitarian aid and crisis comfort, skills that have become extremely important in light of recent natural disasters, including the recent earthquake in Thailand.

Joint exercises like these allow us to work seamlessly together, under shared goals, and with mutual trust, he noted.

Adm. Johnston cited historical ties that date back to the end of World War II, when Thai forces assisted Australia in recovering and rapatriating the remains of Australian soldiers from Hellfire Pass.

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